Top JUCO DE Looking At Tigers

Robert Thorne

11/16/2003

Markell Thompson, a top JUCO defensive end from Southwest Mississippi Community College, took an official visit to Clemson on November 8. With a decision quickly approaching for the December graduate where do the Tiger stand? We've got all the details on his visit to Clemson and his relationship with his teammate Cory Groover in this recruiting update.

The 6-7, 280 pound prospect visited Death Valley with teammate Cory Groover for the Florida State game and he came away very impressed.

"That was good game. I had fun while I was there. Those are some die-hard fans. I've never seen anything like all of them cheering. It sure was exciting. It was nice to see."

Thompson is not ready to go on record with a leader at this time. "No, I don't have a leader. Every school has a chance. I try to stay humble and keep it to myself. When I'm by myself I think about it. I want to go home and talk with my parents about the decision."

The standout lineman is planning to take an official visit to Wisconsin this weekend and he will also be going home to spend some time with his parents discussing his big decision.

"I'm leaving here Thursday and going home. I'm taking a visit to Wisconsin. That is my hometown. I want to spend some time talking to my family." Thompson stated that distance would not be a factor in his decision as he has spent the past 2 years away from home in Mississippi.

Coach Smith and the Tigers are recruiting Thompson as a defensive end. "I think Clemson is recruiting me at defensive end. Coach Smith came up to visit me on Friday. He told me with some guys leaving I could fit right in at Clemson. I talked some with Vontrell Jamison when I was down there for the game."

Would the talented prospect like to play with his teammate Cory Groover at the collegiate level?

"Oh yeah. That is the one thing that helps Clemson a lot. I see Cory just like my brother. We help each other out. Being able to play with him again would be fun."

Thompson has already taken official visits to Oregon State and Clemson with a visit scheduled at Wisconsin this weekend.

"I'm thinking about taking a trip to Florida, and possibly Michigan State. Minnesota has also been calling my father. I left the last 2 visits open because I want to talk to my parents. I was supposed to visit West Virginia this weekend but I needed a rest after visiting Oregon State and then Clemson."

When will the prize recruit make a commitment? "I can't really say. I'm just trying to finish out this semester."

The standout lineman will graduate in December and will be able to enroll for college in January allowing him to participate in spring practice. Thompson will have 3 years to play 2 at the collegiate level.

We will continue to keep you updated on this outstanding JUCO lineman, right up through his enrollment to the college of his choice in January.